Creating a Game on iPad as a Youth Game Developer

Case Study: Creating Clout Alternate on hyperPad as a Youth Game Developer

The creator of Clout Alternate, Space began their game development journey as a youth, utilizing hyperPad, a no-code game development platform, and Procreate for art and animation. These tools made it possible to bring their vision to life, entirely on an iPad. Space is in high school and developing this project in their spare time. Through weekly updates, we keep track of their progress. The developer shares regular progress updates, revealing their hands-on experience while tackling various aspects of game development—from designing character skins to implementing challenge systems.

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The Indie Game Dev Process

1. Conceptualization and Design:

The game started with a simple idea of creating a world with fun, interactive mini-games, tied together through a job-based system. In Clout Alternate, players can explore different parts of the city, complete jobs, and earn “clout” (in-game currency) to buy upgrades.

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Key Steps:

• Worldbuilding: The creator focused on designing a small, interactive city where each building offers different gameplay experiences. They carefully considered the variety and pacing of mini-games to keep players engaged.
• Character Creation: Using Procreate, the developer designed custom character skins and animations. Over time, they revisited these designs, improving their animation style and creating remastered versions of earlier work.

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Tools Used: Procreate for custom character designs and animations, hyperPad for game development.

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2. Game Development and Mechanics:

The game is developed in hyperPad, which allows for visual scripting and behavior-based logic. The developer used the platform to:

• Build Mini-Games: Each mini-game involves different mechanics, from robbery modes to food-stocking challenges. Some modes require players to drag and drop items or complete specific actions under time constraints.
• Create Clue Systems: One of the innovative features of the game is its clue system, where players gather clues to unlock the final stages. This was added to enhance the narrative element of the game.
• Challenge Pages: Instead of a traditional leveling system, Clout Alternate introduced challenges, offering players new goals to complete and rewards to earn.

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3. Art and Animation:

All character skins, animations, and visual assets were created using Procreate. Over time, the developer grew more confident in their art style, and even remastered older animations to match the improved quality.

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Key Features:

• Remastered Skins: As the developer improved, they updated older skins and animations, creating a more cohesive and polished game experience.
• Animated Short: In addition to in-game animations, the developer worked on animated shorts to promote the game, adding an extra layer of engagement.

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4. Music and Sound Design:

The game features custom music tracks, which were created by the developer using external audio tools. By incorporating original soundtracks, the developer added a unique auditory experience to the game, enriching the gameplay.

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5. Iterative Updates and Community Engagement:

Throughout the development process, the creator shared regular updates with the community on social media and YouTube. And through our Ambassador Program at hyperPad, they shared it with us directly. These updates included:

• Weekly Progress Reports: Sharing videos of new gameplay features, challenge screens, and remastered animations.
• User Feedback: The developer actively sought feedback from their audience through platforms like Discord and YouTube, adjusting the game based on suggestions.
• Collaborations: As the project grew, the developer started collaborating with other creators in the community, adding new characters and gameplay elements based on shared ideas.

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6. Challenges and Solutions:

The journey wasn't without its challenges. For instance, the developer faced difficulties with a "leveling system" that didn’t fit the game’s flow. By pivoting to a challenge-based system, they kept the gameplay engaging without overwhelming the UI with unnecessary elements. Additionally, balancing school commitments like band camp with game development required strong time management and dedication.

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In Conclusion

Clout Alternate serves as an inspiring example of what a young game developer can achieve with tools like hyperPad and Procreate. By starting small and consistently iterating on their work, the developer created a fun, engaging game with custom animations, mini-games, and a well-rounded user experience.

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For beginners looking to start their own projects:

• Start with a clear vision: Map out your game’s core concept before diving into the development process.
• Use accessible tools: Platforms like hyperPad allow you to build games without prior coding knowledge, while apps like Procreate offer simple yet powerful design capabilities.
• Iterate and improve: Don’t be afraid to revisit earlier designs and mechanics to make improvements as you grow in skill and confidence.

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With dedication and creativity, anyone can create their dream game—just like the developer of Clout Alternate.